The California Black Oak gets its name from the dark bark color of mature trees. It has distinctive, deeply lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange in the fall. It is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. It also has a large, spreading root system.
Black Oak acorns are an important food source for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, deer, squirrels, and other mammals. It is also a host plant for butterflies and moths. It is a drought-tolerant tree with low moisture requirements. Black Oak grows best in acidic soil.